The Lions are about a month away from their “voluntary” offseason conditioning program, and they’re already making it clear how truly “voluntary” they are.
According to Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com, the Lions want Nick Fairley to volunteer more often.
“As I told him, I’d like to see his commitment to the offseason program improve, and see him on a consistent basis,” General Manager Martin Mayhew said recently. “It’s voluntary, but if he’s not training with us, I’d like to see him training somewhere.”
The Lions get a two-week head start on the program because they changed coaches this offseason, and they’re hoping Fairley and others use that time to work on their conditioning.
Mayhew said he’d like to see Fairley “reposition” some of his weight, which is a delicate euphemism for “lose the belly, fat man.”
“This guy has an immeasurable amount of talent, and it’s my job to get it out of him,” new coach Jim Caldwell said. “And that’s the key. And I think he’s capable. I also think he’s willing. So we’ll see how that goes.”
The Lions have a decision to make this offseason on whether to pick up his fifth-year option on his rookie contract, and while that’s still likely, Fairley could make it an easier call for them by getting himself in better shape.